What water sports are there?

Jet skiing and windsurfing on the river mouth, among others.

What is near Bentota Beach?

Explore the area on this page lists 4 places around Bentota Beach, with the distance to each.

Where can I stay near Bentota Beach?

bookingMentor lists 5 places to stay in Sri Lanka. Rooms start from $82.00 (USD) a night.

Can I ask a question about Bentota Beach that is not answered here?

Yes. Use "Ask a question" under "Travelers are asking" on this page. The bookingMentor team answers it, and the answer then appears on the page for other travellers too.

How long should I spend at Bentota Beach?

Most visitors spend Half day at Bentota Beach.

Is it safe to swim all year?

No, from roughly May to October the sea can be rough and swimming dangerous.

Which train station is closest?

Most coastal-line trains stop at Aluthgama, 2.5 km north.

Which airport is closest to Bentota Beach?

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the airport for Bentota Beach, about 85 km away in a straight line.

Bentota Beach

Q: What kind of beach is it?

The main resort beach on the south-west coast, with a long strand of sand and large hotels.

Q: What is Brief Garden?

Bevis Bawa's house and garden, about 11 km inland.

Q: What can I combine with the beach?

A Bentota River boat trip through the mangroves.

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Bentota, Galle District, Sri Lanka

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In short

Bentota, around 65 km south of Colombo and 56 km north of Galle, is the main resort beach on Sri Lanka's south-west coast, with a long strand of sand, large hotels and water sports such as jet skiing and windsurfing at the river mouth. Beach access is free. Travellers wanting a full-service beach close to the airport spend at least half a day.

Bentota, around 65 km south of Colombo and 56 km north of Galle in southern Sri Lanka, is the main resort beach on the south-west coast, with a long strand of sand, large hotels and water sports such as jet skiing and windsurfing on the river mouth. It suits travellers who want a full-service beach holiday close to the airport.

Bhimatirtha, a Portuguese fort and the rest house

The town sits on the south bank of the Bentota River mouth, a place identified with the ancient Bhimatirtha. The Portuguese built a fort at the river mouth in the 17th century, and the Dutch and British later used the site as a rest house. The British built the railway and a bridge over the river. About 37,000 people live in the area, and the town is known for toddy as well as tourism.

Brief Garden, Galapatha temple and the river

Brief Garden, Bevis Bawa's house and garden about 11 km inland, makes a good half-day trip, and the Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara temple and the Kosgoda turtle hatcheries are close. Combine the beach with a Bentota River boat trip through the mangroves.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed November 4, 2026 · Updated when rules or prices change

We check practical details such as entry rules, seasons and costs against official government and tourism sources.

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Key information

📍Distance: About 65 km south of Colombo

🏄Water sports: Jet skiing, windsurfing

🚆Train: Aluthgama station, 2.5 km north

📅Best time: November to April

🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)

Explore the area

View in a map

Bentota River and Lagoon 630 m

Moragalla Beach 3 km

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatcheries 10.5 km

Madu Ganga, Balapitiya 14.4 km

See all about this area

✦ Plan your visit to Bentota Beach Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.

Highlights Include:

Experiences

Long sandy beach
Water sports
Brief Garden nearby
River boat trips